Where Can I Find Affordable Bulk Chemicals for Scientific Research?

[kronchev]

By "bulk chemical" i mean I need a pound of calcium carbide. anyone know where to get it? If i get it under its laymans headng, as in the stuff used for hobbying, its kind of expensive, esp for a large quantity. I assume this is markup.

Thanks.

 

[Beren]

Calcium Carbide is a Hazardous material, so anywhere you're going to be buying it from is going to have a $60 dollar fee just for shipping.

 

[thunderfvck]

www.froogle.com

 

[kronchev]

Calcium Carbide is a Hazardous material, so anywhere you're going to be buying it from is going to have a $60 dollar fee just for shipping.

actually i just found a place that ships 500g (plenty) for $8, not sure on shipping, but I am sure its not that much. after all, the substance isn't dangerous by itself and only really reactive with water

 

[Janitor]

By the way

I read recently that carbide lamps are no longer sold in the United States. What do cavers use these days?

 

[kronchev]

I read recently that carbide lamps are no longer sold in the United States. What do cavers use these days?

batteries. use no oxygen, cheap to replace, last longer, and much less accidents.

 

[thunderfvck]

CaCl2 isn't dangerous, it forms a hydrate with water. That's what damp-rid is, CaCl2. I wouldn't eat it though.

 

[kronchev]

CaCl2 isn't dangerous, it forms a hydrate with water. That's what damp-rid is, CaCl2. I wouldn't eat it though.

Yes it isn't dangerous, however it produces Acetelyne gas which is extremely flammable. They use it in blowtorches afterall.

 

[shrumeo]

chloride
carbide
what's the dern difference anyway?

 

[Gokul43201]

Calcium Carbide = CaC_2

Calcium Chloride = CaCl_2

Huge difference ! The former reacts with water to make ethylene. The latter is used as a dessicant, to keep things safe from moisture.

 

[thunderfvck]

Why oh why did I mention calcium chloride?

 

[Gokul43201]

Try www.calcium-carbide.com. They sell a pound (450g) for $12.50, and this includes S&H.

If you need a lot more,

VWR sells 80% CaC2 @ $22.40 per 1000g tin and $86.70 for a 5-pack. This does not include S&H.

PS : Shipping is cheap if you don't mind waiting a few days, ie. ship by truck.
However, if you need next day delivery, then shipping will increase ten-fold because of new regulations on air-cargo handling.

 

[Gokul43201]

I recently paid over a hundred bucks for shipping a tiny 50cc bottle of Gallium - FedEx overnight.